Joel Thornton
Winchester,VA
Summary
I am a dedicated professional with considerable knowledge and experience in multiple fields. I enjoy working with people and meeting their needs. A hard worker, I am able to successfully complete tasks from the simple and mundane to the complicated and complex.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Ordained Minister
Presbyterian Church (USA)
Wardensville, WV
09.2015 - Current
- Authored sermons, speeches and other religious materials.
- Officiated special services such as weddings, funerals, baptisms, and nursing home services.
- Interacted with local community, building relationships with civic organizations and other churches.
- Oversaw administration and management of all areas of ministry.
- Provided spiritual care through visitation, counseling, and prayer.
- Provided pastoral care for congregants, addressing spiritual needs and fostering a supportive environment.
- Fostered an inclusive atmosphere by welcoming diverse perspectives during group discussions and activities.
Parish Minister (Oversight of 8 Churches)
Presbyterian Church U.S.A
Winchester Area, Virginia/West Virginia
09.2012 - 04.2015
- Led small group Bible studies to promote deeper understanding of scriptural texts and foster spiritual growth among attendees.
- Organized and coordinated special events such as guest speaker series or holiday celebrations to foster unity among congregation members.
- Fostered a welcoming atmosphere within the church, leading to increased attendance and active participation in worship services.
- Supervised church staff and volunteers, fostering a collaborative environment that encouraged teamwork and commitment to shared goals.
- Oversaw administration and management of all areas of ministry.
Ordained Minister
Presbyterian Church U.S.A
Staunton, VA
06.2004 - 12.2011
- Coordinated successful fundraising events to support church initiatives and serve the wider community needs.
- Strengthened connections between families by organizing social events that fostered fellowship among congregants of all ages.
- Spearheaded mission trips that provided aid and support to underserved populations both locally and internationally.
- Developed strong relationships with local community organizations, promoting collaboration and partnership opportunities.
- Facilitated thought-provoking Bible study sessions that deepened participants'' understanding of scripture and its relevance to everyday life.
- Managed church operations efficiently by overseeing staff, budgeting resources, and maintaining facilities.
- Organized and led engaging worship services, enhancing the overall experience for attendees.
- Provided pastoral care for congregants, addressing spiritual needs and fostering a supportive environment.
Education
Master of Divinity - Divinity
Columbia Theological Seminary
Decatur05.1999
Bachelor of Arts - Russian, Russian Studies
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA06.1994
Skills
- Customer Service
- Problem-solving abilities
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Call center experience
- Computer Proficiency
- Professional telephone demeanor
- Data Entry
- Conflict Resolution
- Russian translation
- Customer Support
Additional Information
Before becoming a minister, I worked in numerous positions as I made my way through college. Among other jobs, I worked as a restaurant manager, grocery store manager, factory worker, and customer service (call center) representative for UPS International.
Timeline
Ordained Minister
Presbyterian Church (USA)
09.2015 - Current
Parish Minister (Oversight of 8 Churches)
Presbyterian Church U.S.A
09.2012 - 04.2015
Ordained Minister
Presbyterian Church U.S.A
06.2004 - 12.2011
Master of Divinity - Divinity
Columbia Theological Seminary
Bachelor of Arts - Russian, Russian Studies
Virginia Tech